Suspension insulator for hightension conductors



Mamh 1952 R. G. BELLEZZA ET AL 2,587,587

SUSPENSION INSULATOR FOR HIGH-TENSION CONDUCTORS Filed Oct. 15, 1945 4Sheets-Sheet l r INVENTOR-S March 1952 R. G. BELLEZZA ET AL 2,587, 87

SUSPENSION INSULATOR FOR HIGH-TENSION CONDUCTORS Filed Oct. 15, 1945 4Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS A vA m/ ire/2A 25; zeg/ March 1952 R. G.BELLEZZA ET AL 2,587,587

SUSPENSION INSULATOR FOR HIGH-TENSION CONDUCTORS Filed Oct. 15, 1945 4Sheeis-Sheet 5 35 I: INVENTORS March 4, 1952 R. e. BELLEZZA ET AL2,587,587

SUSPENSION INSULATOR FOR HIGH-TENSION CONDUCTORS Filed Oct. 15, 1945 4Sheets-Sheet 4 JNVENTOR5 vide. type described, each ofthe rods havingoneend Patented Mar. 4, 1952 SUSPENSION INSULATOR FOR HIGH- TENSIONCONDUCTORS Russell G. Bellezza and George M. Ruofi, Baltimore, Md.,assignors to General Electric Company, a corporation of New YorkApplication October 15, 1945, Serial No. 622,408

12 Claims.

vfor the usual string of suspension insulators a r plurality ofinsulating rods, either hollow or solid, said rods being of a lengthsubstantially equal to a string of suspension insulators, said rodsbeing individually connected at one end to a pole or support andextending laterally therefrom and having their opposite ends connectedby convenient and suitable means, said means serving as a support forthe conductor.

Another object of the invention is to provide a plurality of insulatingrods of adequate strength and length, said rods being each connected atone end to a support and extending laterally therefrom and having theiropposite ends joined by a member, the latter being connected to andsupporting the conductor.

Still another object of the invention is to substitute for the stringsof suspension insulator units and the rigid supporting members therefora vertical support having pivotally connected thereto in spaced relationand extending laterally therefrom a plurality of insulating rods (eitherhollow or solid), said rods having their outer ends connected to form asupporting member and being of a length sufficient to provide anadequate air gapbetween a conductor and the ground. Still another objectof our invention is to provide, in connection with rods of the typedescribed, a flexible connection for the adjacent .rod end to therebyrelieve one or more of the rods of stresses other than direct tension orcompression. i

'A"still further object of the invention is to provide, in connectionwith insulating rods of the type described, lightning arresters, fusesor like apparatus housed within the rods, if hollow, or attached to therods, if solid, to thereby eliminate the usual complicated apparatus andmechanism heretofore used for thispurpose in connection with strings ofsuspension insulators, thereby using the insulating rod or tube as botha conductor support and a housing or attachment member for a piece ofapparatus.

Still another object of the invention is to proin connection withinsulating rods of the Gil pivotally connected to a support, a connectorfor their adjacent ends and to support on this connector one or moreinsulators of the conven tional type, the latter in turn supporting theconductor to thereby place the insulating rods in series with theconventional insulators and hence to reduce the number of conventionalinsulators necessary to support high tension conductors.

Still another object of the invention is to provide with insulating rodsof the type described pivotal means supporting the spaced ends of therods from the support, said means being so arranged that on the breakingof the conductor the rods will swing into a plane substantially parallelto the direction in which the unbroken portion of the conductor extends.

Still another object of the invention is to provide, in connection withinsulating rods of the type described, pivotal means arranged in spacedrelation on the support to which the adjacent ends of the rods arerespectively connected, the pivotal means being so disposed as to causethe member connecting the outer ends of the individual rods to moveupwardly from normal position (that is at right angles to the support)on a pivotal movement of the rods so that the assembly is therebystabilized against undesired lateral motion.

Other objects of the invention will hereinafter appear in connectionwith the detailed description of the embodiments thereof illustrated inthe accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view showing a support and pivotallymounted insulating rods supporting a conductor at their adjacent ends.

Figure 2 is likewise an elevational view of a slightly modified formemploying three rods and a difierent form of supporting member.

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the conductor supporting clampillustrated in Figure 2.

Figures 4 and 5 are respectively side elevational views showingdifferent arrangements of the insulating rods in reference to theirsupport and in reference to the conductor, Figure 4 showing a pair ofinsulators in series with the insulating rods.

Figures 6 and 7 are views similar to Figure 5 illustrating the use ofcorrugated rods and both illustrating the use of one of the rods as asupport for the distribution conductors.

Figures 8 and 9 are fragmentary cross sectional views showing theapplication of lightning arresters housed within one of the supportingtubes illustrated in the preceding figures.

Throughout the specification and drawings similar parts are designatedby like reference characters.

Referring now to the drawings, the numeral I designates a conventionalpole by which the rod insulators 2 and 3 may be supported. It is to beunderstood that there is no limitation as to the character of supportand that the illustration of a wooden pole is merely to be taken asindicative of any type of support.

Projecting laterally from one face of the pole l is a plurality ofclevis members 4 and 5, the clevis being positioned with the slot 6 in asubstantially horizontal position and it will be noted that the clevisis of less length than the clevis 4 so that the pins 1 and 8, whichrespectively connect each clevis to the respective tongues 9 and 10 ofthe insulating rods 2 and 3, are out of vertical alinement, thearrangement being such that the outer ends of the pivotally connectedrods 2 and 3 are swung in an ascending spiral path on either side of anormal position and thus always tend to maintain a positionsubstantially at right angles to the direction of the conductor H whichis supported at the outer ends of the rods 2 and 3, as hereinafterdescribed.

Each rod is provided at its inner end with a cap member l2, the capmembers being identical except for the extent of the tongues 9 and I0which are of course interposed between the jaws of their respectiveclevis members and are pivotally connected thereto, as heretofore setforth, by the bolts 1 and 8. It will be obvious to those skilled in theart that we may substitute for the form of connection shown, a tongueextending from the support I and a clevis member extending from the capsl2. Each clevis is preferably connected to the support by means of boltsand nuts I3.

Preferably formed integral with the cap 14 secured to the outer end ofthe rod 2 is a member I5 in which is pivotally supported a saddle clamp16 by means of which the conductor H is supported. The member I5 isprovided beneath the cap 14 with a tongue l6a to which the clevis memberI! of the cap 18 on the rod 3 is preferably pivotally connected by meansof the bolt IS.

The arrangement heretofore described is illustrated in Figure '1 and itwill be readily apparent that the rods 2 and 3, their respective capsl2, I4 and l8, the member l5, and the saddle l6 will be assembled at theplant or factory and that after the cap l2 of the rod 2 is connected therod 3 is pivotally moved in reference to the pivotal connection l9 so asto bring the tongue (0 thereof into registration with the opening forthe bolt 8 by means of which the cap l2 of this rod is pivotallyconnected to the support.

Referring now to Figure 2, in which we have illustrated the use of threerods, rather than two, as previously described, the upper rod 2a ispivotally connected to the member l5a, formed on the outer cap Ma of therod 2, by a pin l9 extending through the jaws of the clevis l8a formedon the cap l8 and likewise the rod 3 is pivotally connected through itscap l8 with the adjacent portion of the member I511. The cap members l2at the inner or support adjacent end of the rods are connected to theclevis members 4, 5 and 511 by the bolts, clearly shown, and each of theclevis members is connected to the support I by bolts and nuts I3.

We preferably support the conductor from the member [5a by means of alink 20, the detachable link 2| and the stirrup member or clamp 22. Thisstirrup member is provided with a keeper 23 which is maintained inposition by a plurality of bolts and nuts 24, as is usual.

In Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 the form of connection between the cap membersl2 and the clevis members 4 and 5 is substantially identical with thatillustrated and described in connection with Figure 1 and furtherdescription is believed to be unnecessary. Likewise, the clevis membersare connected to the support I by bolts and nuts i3 also previouslydescribed.

It will be noted that in Figure 4 the upper rod 2, instead of extendinghorizontally, is arranged at an angle to the horizontal and the rod 3extends substantially in a horizontal direction. The cap members 25 onthe outer end of the rods 2 and 3 in each of the Figures 4 to 7,inclusive, are provided with extension members 26, one of which ends ina clevis 21 and the other in a tongue 28, and the members 26, andconsequently the rods 2 and 3, have their outer ends connected by a bolt29 which is also adapted to form a support either for the clamp member23 or for the insulators 30, which in turn support the conductor clamp23.

In Figures 5, 6 and '7 the upper rod 2 of Figure 5 and 2b of Figures 6and 7 preferably extend in a substantially horizontal direction whilethe lower rod 3 of Figures 5 and 6 and 3a of Figure 7 are arranged at anangle to the horizontal. The rods 2b and 3a are preferably provided witha corrugated surface diagrammatically illustrated as atv 3! in Figures 6and 7 and supported between certain pairs of adjacent corrugations onthe rods 2b are the distribution cables 32. Tie wires, not illustrated,are preferably employed to maintain the distribution cables in position.

In Figure 7 the rod 3a is likewise provided with a corrugated surface 3|corresponding to the corrugated surface of the rods 21).

From an inspection of Figures 1, 2 and 4 to '7, inclusive, it will beseen that in each of these figures one of the insulating rods is incompression, while the other rod acts in tension and, by reason of theflexible connection at the outer end of the rods, they will have amplestrength without excessive cross sectional area, to support a hightension transmission line conductor.

The flange 33 of the caps l2, l4, l8 and 25, 43 and 48 form an efficientguard to protect the insulating rods in the event of flash-over. The airgap distance between ground and the conductor is preferably as great asthe usual air gap distance between the ground and conductor of a stringof high tension insulators and, as shown in Figures 4, 6 and '7,additional insulator units may be employed in series with the insulatingrods to more adequately protect the line against flash-over or lightningsurge.

Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, we have illustrated two forms oflightning arrester. Figure 8 shows the fuse type of supporting tube; inwhich there is housed within the supporting tube 31) a fiber tube 34which preferably extends the entire length of the tube 31) and withinthis fiber tube and connected to the cap member 25a is a conductor 35and the cap member l2a is provided with an opening 36 through whichthe'hot gases generated by a flash-over will be forced.

In Figure 9 we preferably insert into one end of a supporting tube 312 aplurality of ceramic disks 31 having their opposing faces coated with aconducting substance 38, the innermost "disk 39 having a metallicconductor 40 connected thereto and the cap 12b is also provided with aconductor member 4| extending into the tube rods 2b of Figure 7, so thatif desired, the distribution conductors 32 may be readily securedthereto by the usual tie wires.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is:

1 A suspension insulator for mounting high tension conductors on asupporting member comprising a plurality of securing means connected tosaid supporting member in vertically spaced relation, a plurality ofrigid insulating rod means arranged in V formation, means for pivotallyconnecting one end of each rod to an adjacent securing means, saidinsulating rod means being substantially coaxially pivotal about saidsupporting member on an axis inclined to the vertical and meansconnected to the opposite ends of said rods for joining said ends, saidlast named means also supporting a high tension conductor supportingmeans and being positioned intermediate the vertical limits of saidsecuring means.

2. A suspension insulator for mounting high tension conductors on asupporting member comprising a plurality of securing means connected tosaid supporting member in vertical spaced relation, a plurality of rigidporcelain insulator rods arranged in converging relationship, means forpivotally connecting one end of each rod to one of said securing means,said insulating rods, being substantially coaxially pivotal about saidsupporting member on an axis inclined to the vertical rigid meansconnected to the opposite adjacent ends of the said rods for joiningsaid ends together, said last named means serving to maintain said rodsagainst vertical movement, and means for directly securing a conductorclamp to said last named means.

3. A suspension insulator for mounting high tension conductors on asupporting member comprising a plurality of clevises connected to saidsupporting member in vertical spaced relation, a plurality of rigidinsulator rods arranged in V- relationship with one rod horizontal, ametallic member connected to one end of each rod, said metallic membersbeing adapted to be connected one to each of the said clevises, rigidmeans for joining the opposite ends of the said insulator rods near eachother, said means serving to maintain the adjacent ends of said rods infixed position and against vertical movement, and a conductor clampsecured to said rigid means for supporting a conductor.

4. A suspension insulator for mounting high tension conductors on asupporting member comprising a plurality of clevis members connected tosaid supporting member in vertical spaced relation, a plurality of rigidporcelain insulator rods, a cap member secured to one end of each rod,each cap member having a projection adapted to be connected one to eachclevis, a metallic member having a plurality of sockets connectedthereto, the opposite ends of said insulator rods being adaptedrespectively to be received one in each socket, means for securing saidrods in said sockets, and means for connecting a conductor to saidmetallic member.

5. A suspension insulator for mounting high tension conductors on asupporting member comprising means for securing to said supportingmember a pair of porcelain insulator rods in vertical spacedrelation,'rigid means connected to the opposite ends of said rods forconnecting said ends adjacent each other, said means serving to maintainsaid rods in fixed vertical relation, and a conductor pivotallyconnected to said last named means, one only of said rods being soarranged that the weight of said conductors maintains said rod undercompression.

6. A suspension insulator for mounting high tension conductors on asupporting member comprising means for securing to said supportingmember a pair of porcelain insulator rods in vertical spaced relation,rigid means connected to the opposite ends of said rods for connectingsaid ends adjacent each other, said means serving to maintain said rodsin fixed vertical relation, and a conductor pivotally connected to saidlast named means, one only of said rods being so arranged that theweight of said conductor maintains said rod under tension.

7. A suspension insulator for mounting high tension conductors on asupporting member comprising a plurality of securing means connected tosaid supporting member in vertical spaced relation, a plurality of rigidporcelain insulator rods, means for connecting one end of each rod toone or" said securing means, and rigid means joining the opposite endsof said rods together, said last named means serving to maintain saidrods against vertical movement, one of said rods being under compressionand another of said rods being under tension when in operative position.

8. A suspension insulator for mounting high tension conductors on asupporting member, comprising a plurality of securing means connected tosaid supporting member in vertical spaced re-- lation, a plurality ofrigid porcelain insulator rods, means for connecting one end of each rodto one of said securing means, and means for releasably connecting theopposite ends of said rods, said last named means being arranged tosupport the transmission conductor, the securing means for connectingsaid rods to the supporting member being disposed so as to yieldinglymaintain said rods at right angles to said transmission conductor.

9. A support for mounting high tension conductors on a supporting membercomprising a single insulating rod extending at right angles to thesupport, said rod being pivotally connected to and pivotal about saidsupport, diagonal means pivotal with said rod for bracing said rod, andmeans carried by said rod for supporting a plurality of conductingcables in spaced relation.

10. A suspension insulator for mounting high tension conductors on arigid supporting member comprising a plurality of securing meansconnected to said supporting member in vertical spaced relation, aplurality of rigid porcelain insulator rods, means for connecting oneend of each rod to one of said securing means, means for releasablyconnecting together the opposite ends of said rods, at least one of saidrods carrying a lightning arrester, and means for supporting a hightension conductor adjacent the connected portion of said rods.

11. A suspension insulator for mounting high tension transmissionconductors on a rigid supporting member comprising a plurality ofporcelain rods each hingably connected at one end to said support andforming a V arrangement,

means spaced from said hin e connections for ly of said support relativeto any lower rod so that any movement of said rods from normal positionwill cause the connected ends of said arms to move in an ascendingspiral path, and means carried by said connected ends of said .rods forsupporting a transmission conductor.

12. A suspension insulator for mounting high tension conductors on asupporting member comprising an insulating rod and means for bracingsaid rod, said rod and means being connected at one of their ends andhaving their other ends pivotally attached to said supporting member invertically spaced relation, and said rod and means beingv pivotalsubstantially coaxially about said support on an axis inclined to thevertical.

RUSSELL G. BELLEZZA. GEORGE M. RUOFF.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

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